abstract:In topology a mathematical discipline, a prime manifold is a an n-manifold that cannot be expressed as a non-trivial connected sum of two n-manifolds. Non-trivial means that neither of the two is an n-sphere.
Even if Mr Berlusconi starts seriously tackling such shortcomings as the labour market and pensions, he will still be hobbled by his failure to confront the conflicts of interest that have dogged him, as Italy's richest man, since the day he became prime minister not to mention his manifold problems in the law courts, where he is still on trial for bribing judges.